Do you want a job where you make a difference? We’re recruiting police officers across Scotland now!
No two days are the same for our police officers but every day they keep people safe. You can be called to a report of a housebreaking then go to deal with a road crash. After that you might be taking a statement from a domestic abuse victim and then speaking to school pupils about keeping safe online.
Helping people at some of their worst times is at the heart of what we do and it is very rewarding.
Are you ready to join us and be the difference your community needs?
With the rising cost of living, we’re all trying to find ways to make our weekly shop go further. As well as shopping smarter, did you know that you can actually prolong the life of some of your food shop staples, just with a few simple storage hacks.
We caught up with food industry expert Hannah Anderson, CEO of ethical online food brand 44 Foods to get some of her storage hacks that won’t just help your food last longer but will reduce food waste too.
1. Resist the rinse
“When you’re buying loose fruits or vegetables from the supermarket or your local food producer, it can be tempting to head straight to the sink when you get home to give them a good wash before they go in the fridge.
“In fact, when it comes to making your food last longer, it’s actually best to only wash your fruit or veggies just before you use them. Washing ingredients straight away can leave excess moisture which, once you’ve stored them, can lead to quicker mould growth. So if you want to make the most of your fresh produce, resist the rinse!”
2. Suss out your fridge shelves
“Where you store your food in the fridge can impact how long things last. It goes back to your science classes at school – heat rises and it’s the same principle within your fridge. The bottom of your fridge is cooler than the top which is why most fridges have a crisper drawer at the very bottom because that’s where it’s the least humid, making it perfect for veggies, salad items and fruits.
“Fresh meat should always be stored on the lower shelves as again, it’s colder and this will help your meat to last longer. The higher shelves are best for prepared foods – so things like leftovers are best up here as they’re things you want to use quickly and it’s the warmest part of the fridge. Remember though, not everything needs to go in the fridge and things like potatoes and onions do best in a cool, dark, well ventilated area.”
3. Say cheese
“Have you ever wondered why cheese bought at the supermarket will usually come in plastic wrap whereas if you pick some up from a local farm shop, it’s usually wrapped in some kind of parchment paper? As some of our expert 44 Foods cheese producers will tell you, that’s because paper wrappings allow cheese to breathe which plastic doesn’t. Cheese needs to take in oxygen, which not only helps the flavour but helps it to last longer and by wrapping it in plastic or cling film, you create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. So when it comes to cheese, parchment is best.”
4. The sniff test
“Some major supermarkets like Morrisons and the Co-Op have already scrapped the use of use-by dates on things like milk and yoghurts in a bid to reduce food waste. With a mission to reduce food waste, we’re all for it and we’d always recommend the good old fashioned sniff test! Milk has a distinctive sour smell when it’s gone off so that’s the number one sign but if your milk starts to take on a yellow colour or starts to go lumpy, it’s time to get rid. If it still smells fresh, you’re good to go!”
5. The great egg debate
“There’s long been a debate on the best way to store eggs to keep them fresher for longer – to fridge or not to fridge? According to British Lion eggs, to keep your eggs fresh, the fridge really is the best place for them. We also recommend keeping your eggs in the carton they come in. Although lots of fridges come with their own egg storage trays, the cardboard carton is the original and the best for a very good reason – eggshells have tiny pores which can take in bacteria or even smells from other foods around them. The carton protects them from all of that making them last longer. Plus, you can recycle the cardboard carton too!”
For more tips on how to get the most out of your food or to find out more about reducing your food waste, visit www.44foods.com
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Healthier Picnics
Picnics are always a winner in the summer months (when the weather allows!). They are the perfect way to socialise with friends and family while spending more time outdoors, which is good for us all. July marks National Picnic Month and here we share some top tips for creating heathier picnics this summer – goodbye squashed sandwiches and crushed crisps!
Get a Cool Bag
A healthy, nutrition packed picnic must be kept cool for optimal enjoyment. If there was ever a time to invest in a cool bag/box it is now. When you don’t have to worry about what will stay fresh in the warm weather, the sky really is the limit in terms of what you can pack. Think fresh salads, juicy fruits & protein packed yoghurts.
Prep in Advance
Homemade is always best and taking some time the day before your scheduled picnic to whip up something yummy can take your picnic to the next level. We love easy to grab things like these heart healthy cheese and courgette muffins which go down well with both adults and children.
Pop it on a Skewer
Skewers make everything more picnic friendly and just about any meal can be adapted to fit on a skewer. Try adding cooked meats, halloumi or feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, peppers, and olives or making a rainbow fruit skewer using lots of different colour fruits.
Razor-sharp wit & near the knuckle material, join one of Europe’s fastest rising stars as he touches on everything from The Royal Family & Cafe Nero, to his brutally unsupportive Grandmother along with his trademark army of dark one-liners. A show not for the faint of heart that will make you gasp and laugh simultaneously.
*Latin – No Refunds
“Ryan Cullen is one of my favourite comedians. Morbidly hilarious you’d think ‘How the f*ck did he end up like this?” – Daniel Sloss
With TV appearances on ‘The Comedy Underground’ and ‘Late License’ for the BBC he’s also starred on viral YouTube channels ‘Facts’ & ‘The Try Channel’ with 500+ million views online and a regular on ‘Sloss & Humphries on the Road’ podcast. Writer for IFTA award winning RTE series ‘Republic of Telly’ & ‘Clear History’.
And has supported shows for Steve-O (Jackass), Theo Von, Jake & Amir & Daniel Sloss
“You think that’s funny? Seriously?” Piers Morgan
Watch Ryan on STV’s Comedy Underground:
Watch the fully un-cut but old set from Ryan at the Laughter Lounge in Dublin
Flavour Alchemists Guide to Making the Perfect Summer Tipple
Get summer ready with Buck & Birch’s deliciously fresh, thirst-quenching drink, The Amarosa Spritz, perfect for those looking to spice up their favourite summer classic cocktails.
Sourcing ingredients just a stone’s throw from their East Lothian distillery, the alchemists have put a Scottish twist on the likes of the Italians Aperol and English Pimms, giving you the very best taste of the wilds of Scotland.
With flavour notes of juicy green apples, honey and herbs with spiced vanilla and molasses to finish, simply add 50ml of Amarosa, 25ml fresh apple juice, topped with chilled champagne, prosecco or sparkling wine and garnish with fresh summer fruits for the perfect taste of a Scottish Summer.
The Amarosa Spritz is perfect for sipping at a garden party or barbeque in the summer sun, and to really get your tastebuds tingling, enjoy alongside grilled halloumi or a mezze platter.
Creative Director and co-founder, Tom Chisholm on why this is the perfect summer tipple: “This is the first lockdown free summer we have had in three years and whilst we all want to be outside the Scottish summer weather doesn’t always allow us to get out.
“But with The Amarosa Spritz, we’ve got the taste of summer with an unmistakable Scottish twist. So, whilst we may not get outside with the unreliable Scottish weather, we have got the next best thing: having a drink from the beautiful landscape that is right on our doorstep.”
To view the full selection of drinks available for purchase, visit:
Winner 2019 Outstanding Fringe Show (Amused Moose)
Winner 2018 Scottish Comedy Award – Best MC
Finalist Scottish Comedian of the Year
Finalist English Comedian of the Year
Nominated 2018 Best Fringe Show (Amused Moose)
Nominated 2019 Scottish Comedy Award – Best Mc
Nominated 2019 Scottish Comedy Award – Best Fringe Show
Having amassed tens of millions of views online, multi-award-winning comedian Liam Withnail brings his new show, Hot Sauce, to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is delighted to be returning to favourite venue in the cityMonkey Barrel Comedy.
Hot Sauce is an hour of Withnail in his element, deftly juggling the big themes of the day in an accessible and always hysterical way. In this show he questions the true cost of the modern conveniences’ that the lockdowns had us accustomed to, be they Deliveroo, Uber, Amazon – or even PornHub.
The big questions raised is … When we’re free to indulge without consequence, can it be good for society? The finale of the show highlights a personal health scare which brings this question into laser focus, all handled with Liam’s typical affable charm.
Liam Withnail has been entertaining international comedy audiences for almost a decade. The award-winning act has performed as far and wide as Japan, Iceland and Australia – as well as regularly around the top clubs in the UK.
A stalwart of the Edinburgh Fringe, his critically acclaimed one man shows have cemented his place as one of the most exciting new voices in UK Comedy. Winner of Best Compere at the Scottish Comedy Awards in 2018, and Outstanding Fringe Show in 2019, Withnail is as comfortable riffing with the crowd as he is with his wide-ranging sharp material.
Within the last year, Liam’s popularity exploded online – clips of his legendary crowd work have amassed tens of millions of views. Often filmed at Monkey Barrel Comedy where he is a resident compere. His TikTok (70k+) followers in particular has alerted a new, far reaching and enthusiastic fanbase.
A regular panellist on BBC’s Breaking The News, Liam has also branched out into writing – with sketches featured on BAFTA winning Scot Squad
What the press have said previously
“Has us constantly in stiches!” ★★★★★ Adelaide Advertiser
“An hour of consistently hysterical comedy” ★★★★★ – The Wee Review
“One of the most complete and affirming shows I’ve seen this year” ★★★★★ Ed Fest Mag
“Fantastic writing. An important story told with humour, humility and style”The Scotsman
Fitness fanatics are being offered expert advice on how to remain committed to their workout regime this summer whilst drinking socially.
With the release of a new hangover pill in the UK – claiming to be the first of its kind to break down alcohol in the body – there are slowly becoming more and more ways to stay fit and healthy whilst consuming alcohol, but these remedies can be quite an expense.
The fitness experts at BreakingMuscle.com have given their top tips for maintaining fitness goals whilst drinking alcohol by making smart, simple changes.
Every fitness journey, whether it’s increased muscle mass, fat loss or a sustained healthy lifestyle, requires a level of dedication and perseverance.
That’s why it can be difficult to see alcohol consumption as part of a fitness regime due to its side effects, however, drinking socially is certainly achievable without sabotaging personal health goals.
With a bit of forward planning and a few simple hacks, having a good time and staying in shape can go together hand in hand.
A spokesperson for BreakingMuscle.com said: “For those looking to enjoy a drink in the hot weather with friends whilst maintaining the body they desire, it can feel like an impossible task.
“However this is not the case, with a few smarter choices we can limit the effects of hangovers, control calories and plan workouts that fit around social events.
“Of course, there are some types of alcohol that have a higher caloric value than others. But it doesn’t have to be a chore to make drinking fit in with a healthy lifestyle. Staying on track with fitness goals does have its importance, but enjoying time with friends and family shouldn’t have to be sacrificed because of this.”
Staying hydrated throughout the night is just as important as staying hydrated during a workout. Keeping water intake up whilst drinking can help to prevent any negative side effects the next day. Try drinking a glass of water for every alcoholic drink, if this isn’t possible ensure to drink plenty of water before heading off to bed.
Take a day off
It can be tempting to get straight back into the gym the day after a few drinks but this isn’t always the best idea. It’s more than okay to have a day off and relax, trying to smash a workout whilst not feeling a hundred percent can actually do more harm than good.
Fill up on macros
Unfortunately, alcoholic drinks aren’t known for the vitamins and minerals they provide, they actually deplete the body’s supply. In the hours pre and post drinking, try to eat fruits and veg that are rich in macronutrients. Smoothies, nuts and bananas are just a few examples of quick foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals to fit in before or after a night out.
Choose wisely
It may feel as though alcoholic beverages have no calories in them but many drinks can be very deceiving. Be wary of cocktails and mixed drinks as they will contain a higher number of calories than beer and wines.
Light over dark
When choosing a tipple, try picking light spirits like gin or vodka over whiskey and spiced rum. This is because darker spirits contain toxic compounds that can contribute to a nastier hangover.
Set a limit
It can be easy to overindulge when out socialising with friends. However, for those who may find it difficult to get back on track after a heavy night out, setting a limit can help provide clarity moving forward in the gym. Setting higher limits should not induce guilt, but should be used to inform healthy amendments to that week’s training routine.
Steer clear of sugar
Where possible try and swap sugary mixers and cocktails for diet or sugar-free alternatives. For example, try swapping a gin and tonic for a gin and soda water, the taste might not be quite the same but it can make sticking to a calorie goal much easier. Post-drink snack
Kebabs, burgers and pizzas are often the most popular post drinking snack but the calories can start to add up after a few drinks. Preparing food at home after a night out can be a great way to not overspend on calories at the end of the night.
27th in-store festival brings together twelve of Scotland’s best breweries
Aldi Scotland has unveiled the line-up for its 27th Scottish Beer Festival, giving customers the perfect excuse to enjoy the warmer weather with some ice-cold brews.
The festival is set to showcase 25 craft beers from five regions in Scotland, including the central belt, Aberdeen, Glasgow, the Highlands, and Edinburgh and the Lothians, giving customers the opportunity to sample locally produced, top-quality brews at everyday prices.
Kicking off in-store from Thursday 28th July, the festival will take place across all of Aldi’s 103 Scottish stores in a deal worth over £86,000 to the breweries involved.
Aldi customers across Scotland can enjoy everything from Indian lager and a citrus pale ale from Aberdeen-based Fierce Beer to Loch Ness Brewing’s rich, chocolate stout. Refreshing IPAs from Glasgow Beer Works and a tarte mango sour from Edinburgh’s Cold Town will also feature as part of the summer beer festival.
Aldi is the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket 2021 according to Which? And offers outstanding deals on locally sourced, Scottish beer products, without scrimping on the quality.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said:“Our Scottish Beer Festivals are always a big event in the Aldi Scotland calendar. I’m proud that the relationships we have built with Scottish brewers over the years mean that we can showcase some truly excellent beers to a wider audience, while maintaining everyday amazing Aldi prices.
“The summer event will have beers from five different corners of Scotland, showcasing the breadth of talented producers we have on our doorstep.
“I am also very pleased that a number of these beers are exclusive to Aldi Scotland. With something for everyone to enjoy, I am sure our customers will enjoy the chance to try the variety of unique brews in this summer’s line-up.”
Celebrating the 10th year of Scottish Beer Festivals, products will be available in store from 28th July. Visit aldi.co.uk/scottishbeerfestival to find out more. You can find your nearest Aldi here.
Full list of breweries and product featured in Aldi’s Scottish Beer Festival:
Brewdog
Punk AF £1.49 (330ml, 0.5% ABV)
Dead Pony Club £1.49 (330ml, 3.8% ABV)
Hazy Jane £1.49 (330ml, 5.0% ABV)
Cairngorm Brewing Company
Black Gold £1.79 (500ml, 4.4% ABV)
Cairngorm Gold £1.59 (500ml, 4.5% ABV)
Cold Town Brew
New England IPA £1.79 (440ml, 5.5% ABV)
Peachy Summer Ale £1.79 (440ml, 4.1% ABV)
Mango Sour £1.79 (440ml, 4.3% ABV)
Fierce Beer
Indian Lager £1.79 (440ml, 5.0% ABV)
Citrus Pale Ale £1.79 (440ml, 5.0% ABV)
Glasgow Beer Works
Session IPA £1.79 (440ml, 3.2% ABV)
West Coast IPA £1.79 (440ml, 4.5% ABV)
Harviestoun
Heaven Cent £1.49 (330ml, 4.6% ABV)
Ptarmigan £1.79 (500ml, 4.5% ABV)
The Ridge Pale Ale £1.79 (500ml, 5.0% ABV)
Innis & Gunn
Lager £1.95 (660ml, 4.6% ABV)
Loch Lomond Brewery
Cuban Heels Pale Ale £1.79 (440ml, 4.5% ABV)
Slave to the Rhythm £1.79 (500ml, 4.0%)
Loch Ness Brewing
Darkness Stout £1.79 (500ml, 4.4% ABV)
Lightness Pale Ale £1.59 (500ml, 3.8% ABV)
Stewart Brewing
Island Getaway Kettle Sour £1.79 (440ml, 3.5% ABV)
Cockroach Party will be a rambling tour through a mind that is on its last legs. It only takes one cockroach to ruin a bowl of cherries. But it takes a cockroach party to save the world. Will include crowd work but don’t worry the water’s warm. Have you ever gone on incognito mode to Google symptoms of multiple sclerosis? Well let’s get this party started.
Topics covered will include:
a) Insomnia (haven’t slept for a year),
b) Getting diagnosed with glaucoma,
c) Being thrown under the bus,
c) Respect,
d) Revenge,
e) Redemption,
f) Regret.
“Hilariously maladjusted hour” ****1/2 Chortle (Melbourne Comedy Festival 2022)
Dan Rath has enough parking ticket debt to cripple a small European country and he has watched his car get cubed by the government. He has been disrespected by his colleagues and is bruised and battered with nothing to lose. His low status means he has heightened cortisol production and is not equipped to take a gentle ribbing. He has a diverse set of interests including prime numbers.
His comedy will appeal to:
a) burnouts with no driver’s license
b) folks who have paid a visit to marijuana island
c) scumdogs
Dan Rath is ready to capitulate to the desires of the audience. All this stammering boob wants is a playmate.
“Meta funny” Herald Sun (Aus)
Read Dan Rath review of Cockroach Party from Chortle at the Melbourne Comedy Festival 2022
